The Authority of Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) held a dialogue to discuss issues on dealer licences, type approval and importation of equipment. The dialogue was held at the Dewan Seri Kerna, AITI Building, Kampong Anggerek Desa, Berakas.

The Guest of Honour for the event was Haji Yahkup bin Haji Menudin, Chief Executive of AITI. In his welcoming address, he mentioned the objective of the dialogue is to present to dealers on topics that are relevant to their businesses and to gather feedback from the audience in order to improve AITI policies and regulations relating to dealer licences, type approval and importation process of telecommunication equipments.

He also mentioned that there are more than 400 Dealer Licensees currently registered with AITI and every year AITI receives more dealers joining the market. The numbers of telecom equipment coming into Brunei are also increasing every year and, very often, there are new models being introduced into the market. This trend applies especially to mobile phones, wireless access modem and other short range devices such as Bluetooth headsets and accessories.

​In 2010 alone, the total number of ICT equipment imported into Brunei was over 190,000 units where 95% of it were mobile phones. This is aligned with our mobile penetration rate which has now reached over 100%. It shows that our telecom sector is expanding and will continue to do so as consumers depend heavily on their mobile phones on their daily lives.

Hj Yahkup also stated that this Dealer’s Dialogue touches on Type Approval. A topic that is most relevant to the dealers. He announced that a proposed new process that will enhance and simplify the Type Approval process will also result in lower fee that will help to reduce the business cost. AITI strives to increase its internal efficiency and translate this efficiency into lower fee. In fact, in the past, AITI has reduced the Type Approval fee by 50% and extended the validity of Type Approval certificate from 2 years to 5 years.

Welcoming Remarks by Chief Executive, AITI

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Another important aspect pointed out by the Chief Executive, as an agency regulating the importation of telecommunication equipment, AITI has to ensure the equipments brought into Brunei Darussalam are safe, operate within approved frequency and adhere to international technical standards. This is the whole purpose of Type Approval. However, that’s not the end of the process. As such, AITI are also introducing Type Approval labels for telecommunication equipment. This is to educate and show consumers that Type Approved equipments are safe and allowed to be used in Brunei. By type approving imported equipments allow AITI to facilitate and regulate the sale & import of telecommunications equipment and to make sure the equipments are safe for consumers.

Hj Yahkup emphasized that AITI’s enforcement activities are not meant to make life difficult for dealers. It is infact, to protect businesses to ensure that there are no errant players or “black sheep” in the industry who bring in illegal, unauthorized and unsafe equipments.

The event was attended by over 90 participants from local companies who have Dealer Licences that allow them to sell and import telecommunication and satellite equipments in Brunei Darussalam.

The two-way dialogue allowed AITI to hear opinions and concerns by local dealers. Issues raised during the dialogue will help AITI to improve the existing processes to meet both dealers and consumers demands.

With this, it is hoped that local dealers would cooperate to raise awareness on the significance of type-approved equipments and why it is important to buy equipments from a licenced dealer.

AITI will continue engaging its dealers, stakeholders and members of the public on regular basis on regulatory matters. Information is also available on AITI’s website, www.aiti.gov.bn.